Camera Security option building

Looking for a better security solution for home directory listing buzz in.
Due to the increase mail package thefts, HOA proposed to completely remove remote buzz in option. Currently visitors dialing the code downstairs, call comes to resident's cell phone, and by pushing '9' the door unlocks; If we remove that option the resident has to go downstairs to open the door to the visitor. Definitely inconvenient option. But could be safe. Recently we even noticed the food delivery guys stealing packages on the way out.

My idea to improve it is to add a small cam downstairs. When someone dialing in the call comes to resident's smartphone. Resident immediately see shows coming in and make a decision to buzz person in or not. Can this be implemented for a building of 50 units?

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Yeah I haven't found anything that would be what you describe. I am sure there's probably a way to make something work like you describe. The downfall is connecting the phone system to be able to dial the cell phones and display the video. Not many options for that. There's ways for people to log into a DVR or Camera or camera server, but I don't know how to have it singly send to just that one resident at one time. And of course allowing the use of the DVR by all 50 residents at one time could pose other issues.

Normally for a building there would be a common channel for all the tenants to view the lobby at any time. They can simply tune the TV to that channel to watch the lobby.

If you prefer to have this on the phone then perhaps a simpler solution will be to install a cloud webcam facing the lobby then give access to the cloud webcam for all tenants. Some webcam cameras allow you to set users and give them view only access instead of admin. So when someone buzz the tenants can go to the webcam app to see who's buzzing before letting the person in.

Not sure if this is ideal for your but this will be simpler than looking for what you described.

Yeah i agree Wayne. Which the downfall is probably for the neighbors privacy. Having friends family and themselves come home through the access gate and people or neighbors being able to know when they're neighbors come home.

But I'm just paranoid like that. I watch too many movies or something.

I don't think it's a privacy issue because the camera is just showing the lobby and in condo buildings this is actually a very common setup. There are hundreds of tenants and often it's at least two buildings sharing a common entry. Every unit in these two buildings have access to a channel on the TV where they can view the lobby. In this case the TV is replaced with the phone and camera is a webcam.

I suppose... Just don't like to be monitored. People would I've left and can do something to my apartment. Or I was the hotty in apartment 1a and you were the creepy stalker in 1b you would be able to know when I leave and home.

I'd be wondering how the buildings are currently set up. Would something along the lines of lockers or boxes for packages up to a certain size being installed in the buildings be an option? Physical security is something that definitely needs to be upgraded. Even if their HOA hired a security company to monitor the lobbies of the buildings, that could make sense.

Honestly, at the end of it all, a blended solution is best. A mixture of video intercom, security cameras in the lobbies, and some way to lock away delivered packages is where I would put my vote. Residents would at least be able to see who they're buzzing into the building. However, we have to bear in mind that not everyone who enters the building is going to be buzzed in. Think of the person authorized to be at the building (could be a resident or a guest) who lets someone in when they are entering) Better yet, what if the thief is another resident? These are cases wouldn't even register on the intercom system, which would still keep things a mystery.

Whether residents or a security vendor should have access to the cameras is going to be the debatable bit. But like David mentioned, you cannot expect privacy in areas like lobbies.

No problem! However did you have some comments on some of the suggestions above and perhaps a clear direction on what you really want to do now given that people have weighed in with some suggestions and comments on privacy and some of the other options to resolve for what you need?

Your thoughts and comments can help move us into a direction that can better help you get what you need.

Sure, let me go through these again and comment. One thing is the gate-type solution won't work here. We don't have gates. This is a city building. Just a front door.

We do have a camera system facing the front door. Yes, residents can tune up to the front door and watch. However, that needs to be in the same system as a buzzing in. Not separate CCTV system. By the time residents say "hang on a minute, let me open another app to check the cam, then go back to the buzzer push 9. The delivery guy would be long gone" So people wouldn't bother to look in the cam. It takes time. Most just push 9 to buzz someone in.

We do have a camera system facing the front door. Yes, residents can tune up to the front door and watch. However, that needs to be in the same system as a buzzing in. Not separate CCTV system. By the time residents say "hang on a minute, let me open another app to check the cam, then go back to the buzzer push 9. The delivery guy would be long gone" So people wouldn't bother to look in the cam. It takes time. Most just push 9 to buzz someone in.

Herein lies the problem. Basically, nobody is looking. A video intercom system or something along those lines are ideal as long as people actually look at it. Otherwise, you're left with either a system of locking boxes where deliveries can be left (some neighborhoods have these) OR have someone actually monitoring for the residents (security guards).

Something else to consider here too, is that if your 'buzzer' system which you have to press 9, do you need to 'hold' it down for 3 seconds in order for the door to open? Many cell phones do not have the ability to hold/long press tones without special apps.

Also something to consider as you say this: Recently we even noticed the food delivery guys stealing packages on the way out.

So if these are 'legitimate' guests who enter and are stealing packages, how will what you want to implement stop this?

The renters of the apartment are still going to let these guys in. The main concern is who is taking the packages and if they are getting in legitimately, then something else needs to be done. If the fedex guy/friend/neighbor/food delivery/flowers/singing telegram/anyone comes and is buzzed in even with a camera system connected to someone's cell phone and are viewable by that user, they let that person in, they can still steal packages can they not?

Currently you have a camera system, is it visible? do these guests know that? maybe signage that states you video is being recorded? perhaps a different camera set up that can see a street view (to spot cars license plates)or hallway where packages are left out?